NHS chiefs have issued a warning to the public ahead of a five-day strike by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, set to commence on Friday morning, November 14.
The industrial action comes after negotiations between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government reached an impasse.
Despite the looming walkout, NHS England has urged people to continue using the 111 service for non-emergencies and dial 999 in case of serious or life-threatening situations. A statement from the official NHS England account on X reads: “From Friday and into next week, some NHS services will be affected due to strike action. Please continue to come forward for NHS care.
“If you need urgent medical help, use 111, and if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 999.”
This marks the latest development in the ongoing dispute between the BMA and the government, which has already seen 12 previous strikes.
Just last week, the BMA turned down a new proposal from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, which included covering the cost of compulsory exams and membership fees to Royal colleges.
The Health Secretary had also pledged to increase the number of training places at a faster rate than initially planned.
However, Streeting has remained firm on his stance not to negotiate on pay, following nearly 30% in total pay increases for resident doctors over the past three years.
The BMA, on the other hand, contends that despite these pay rises, resident doctors’ salaries are still a fifth lower than they were in 2008, once inflation is factored in.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
